Pumpkin Spice

It's finally arrived. My favorite time of the year. "It's the most wonderful time of the year.... " Okay. It's not Christmas yet. But I really do love fall. Something about that cool transition from the heat of summer to the briskness of winter. I'm sure you're aware of this while being blinded by my background, I love it! With today being the first day of the season and all, I decided to be festive and make Pumpkin Spice Bread (Taste of Home - Baking). I've been hoping that my excitement for fall would somehow remind the weather that it isn't August anymore. But no. Sadly today on the first day of fall, it's pushing 90 degrees. So once again, I'm reminded that my sweatshirts haven't seen the light of day since I left Michigan.

I miss Michigan falls. At the end of September the weather has finally taken a chill pill and forced the locals to pull out their jackets. The trees are a spectacle (I just love that word) of warm hues. Not in Arkansas. The beginning of November will most likely mark the beginning of the fall season for us. Until then we keep enduring the heat.

So, back to my quick bread. I've never made this recipe before. Honestly I was drawn to the ridiculous amount of spices called for in it. I'm a sucker for spices. Sometimes I wish I could just carry the bottle of ground cloves around with me, it smells so delicious. It paints a picture of fall in your mind when you inhale it. Alright, I'm not talking about a drug! I guess it does kind of sound like it ... but get your mind out of the gutter. Teaspoon after teaspoon of my favorites! Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Yumm ...

I wish I could leave you with a picture of the delicious bread that's in the oven right now. It smells divine. Thank you once again Taste of Home for your wise input in my creative outlet!

Arkansas autumn from Mt. Magazine